HC sets aside death sentence, acquits convict of all charges
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has acquitted a man previously sentenced to death for sexual assault, citing a fundamental failure of the trial process. The court ruled that the trial was marred by procedural irregularities, including the denial of effective legal counsel and inadequate cross-examination.
Why it matters
This ruling underscores the critical importance of due process and fair trial rights in capital punishment cases within the Indian judicial system.
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday set aside the death sentence imposed by a trial court in Sivaganga district on a woodcutter. He was acquitted of all charges.
The court was hearing the referred trial and the criminal appeal filed by Chandran against the judgment of the Principal Sessions Court (POCSO Act Cases), Sivaganga district. In April, the trial court had imposed the death sentence on him for sexually assaulting five girls.
A Division Bench of Justices N. Anand Venkatesh and K. K. Ramakrishnan said on an overall consideration of the record, the court was unable to hold that the accused received a fair and meaningful trial.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in